The advantage of youth is that you get to travel without the shackles of responsibility that come with your later years holding you back. It’s easier to drink until dawn and live on $10 a day when you’re in your 20s. Believe us, enjoy it while you can! With that in mind, we’ve compiled a list of the top 30 places to visit in Europe before you’re 30.
You might not get through them all but no matter how many of these places you do visit, you’ll certainly have a ball along the way.
Places in Europe to Visit Before You’re 30
1. Ibiza, Spain
Along with Las Vegas, this is the party capital of the world. Come during the summer months and prepare to go hard, or go home.
2. Amsterdam, The Netherlands
If you haven’t been to Amsterdam in your 20s and let your hair down have you even lived? The city has a liberal attitude to most things and is a great place to spend a few days.
3. Inter-railing around Europe
Okay, technically not one place, but rather a full continent seen over a summer on a single cheap train ticket. Live the hostel life while seeing some of the most historic cities in Europe all on one trip.
4. Dublin, Ireland
The Irish know how to put on a good party and the capital of Dublin is the most wonderful base for a long weekend. Enjoy the creamy pints of Guinness and super friendly locals.
5. Octoberfest in Munich, Germany
Such a popular event that it’s now been copied and recreated all over the world. Come to the original in Munich though, and enjoy as good a knees up as you’ll find anywhere on earth.
6. Berlin, Germany
This city has found its cool since the Wall came down, where pretty much anything goes. Great nightclubs, drinking in the parks and an ethnically diverse group of people living here mean the place is bouncing most weekends.
7. Florence, Italy
A hub for foreign students and young travellers form all over the world who come to learn languages, enjoy the culture and the general ‘Dolce Vita’.
8. Val d’Isere, France
You can ski on some of the best slopes in the world while living it up in the evening at the Apres-Ski. Throw in good French food and meeting plenty of interesting people and you’d be mad not to spend time here.
9. Barcelona, Spain
A city that seems as if it was built for people in their 20s. The late night partying, good weather, chilled vibes and lots of similar minded folk who head there make it a must-visit.
10. Island Hopping in Greece
100s of the prettiest islands, which are all in close proximity and relatively affordable. Give yourself a couple of months and party your way around as many of them as you can.
11. Budapest, Hungary
Brimming with intriguing architecture and rich cultural heritage, Budapest still feels slightly untouched by tourists. It’s compact, making it one of the best places for young, solo travelers in Europe.
12. Bologna, Italy
The historic capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, in northern Italy, Bologna is a Medieval city with ancient streets to explore, and incredible views from the city’s tower. Lively bars and cafes line the streets and the graffiti-covered piazzas add a bit of edge.
13. Glasgow, Scotland
Glasgow offers lots of exciting experiences, but where to begin? Scotland’s largest city is vibrant and exciting, with fine art collections, Victorian architecture, cathedrals and parks to explore.
14. Toulouse, France
Toulouse’s gorgeous summer-y climate and its exciting fusion of cultures from being so close to the Spanish border makes it a real gem of a place to visit. It’s a lively, student-friendly city. There’s more than 1,000 events on average every year and summer evenings that are particularly animated!
15. Madrid, Spain
Madrid is the capital of Spain and its most populous city. With culture and history flowing through this city’s veins with its many plazas, palaces and parks, there’s heaps of things to do in Madrid.
16. Prague, Czech Republic
Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s known for its Old Town Square and historic monuments. Winding streets and a unique atmosphere makes Prague one of the best places in Europe to visit before you’re 30.
17. Krakow, Poland
Over the past decade, Krakow has slowly gained a reputation for being the top city in Poland to visit, next to the obvious Polish capital, Warsaw.
18. Aarhus, Denmark
Denmark’s second-biggest city is often ignored in favour of Copenhagen, and it’s a real shame. The European Capital of Culture for 2017, this place is full of good vibes.
19. Zagreb, Croatia
Croatia’s capital is often overlooked for the country’s dazzling coast, but Zagreb is not to be skipped. The historically rich city is an easy hub for visiting other European destinations. It offers quite a few attractions for visitors to see.
20. Cork, Ireland
Dublin and Galway might have most of the fame, but Cork is the perfect place for solo travelers. The city is small and easy to navigate, with an exciting independent food and drink scene.
21. Sofia, Bulgaria
It’s a peculiar mixture of Communist style buildings and colourful modern design, but come to Sofia with an open mind and you’ll fall in love with it. There’s a cool artsy scene, with stylish cocktail bars and events.
22. Leipzig, Germany
Just over an hour’s high-speed train journey from Berlin, Leipzig is one of Germany’s coolest cities. A young and creative generation are currently shaping the city with galleries and clubs in old industrial spaces. Our tip? Visit sooner rather than later before the inevitable gentrification hits.
23. Paris, France
The city of lights offers you an almost unlimited array of things to do. Whether you enjoy museums, old architecture, or grand, iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, you will find lots of things to do in Paris.
24. Bratislava, Slovakia
Bratislava feels as if it belongs in a fairytale book. It’s a small city but it really packs a punch when it comes to a weekend getaway.
25. London, England
London is one of the most fascinating and diverse cities in Europe. Amazing culture, history, and people all live here and make it incredibly exciting in the many things to do in London. Art galleries, pop-up bars and historical monuments are everywhere.
26. Dubrovnik, Croatia
As George Bernard Shaw once said, “those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik.” With its winding streets, cliffside beach bars and UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town, it’s no wonder Dubrovnik is such a popular spot.
27. Nantes, France
Easily one of the best destinations in France for a weekend city break, Nantes is a vibrant city that includes île de Nantes, an island in the middle of the river. Tasty food markets and a great artsy scene will keep you busy here.
28. Edinburgh, Scotland
With the historic Edinburgh castle looming over the city, culture in spades and wonderfully friendly locals, this is one of the world’s greatest city breaks. It’s a must on any list of the best places to visit in Europe before you’re 30!
29. Rome, Italy
Whether it’s your first time in Rome or your 50th, the best thing about this city is that you’ll always discover something new each time you stroll the scenic streets. With countless museums and ancient architecture, as well as heaps of culture and gourmet food, Rome is nothing but brilliant.
30. Tallinn, Estonia
The capital of Estonia, Tallinn is a gorgeous city that blends an old town with a growing modernism and which is the perfect holiday destination. The city sits on the Baltic sea and is packed full of culture, great food and friendly locals.